Shloka 1.12.8

द्वादशः सर्गः — Aśvamedha-saṅkalpa (Daśaratha resolves on the Horse Sacrifice)

Devanagari script

मम लालप्यमानस्य पुत्रार्थं नास्ति वै सुखम्।तदर्थं हयमेधेन यक्ष्यामीति मतिर्मम।।।।

Transliteration

mama lālapyamānasya putrārthaṃ nāsti vai sukham | tadarthaṃ hayamedhena yakṣyāmīti matir mama ||

Translation

“For me, consumed by longing for a son, there is truly no happiness. Therefore I have resolved: I will perform the Aśvamedha, the Horse-sacrifice.”

Context

"There is no happiness for me. I am overwhelmed with grief as I have no son. Therefore, I intend to perform a horse-sacrifice.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Aśvamedha (hayamedha)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Satya in self-disclosure and dharmic channeling of desire: Daśaratha admits his suffering honestly and seeks a lawful remedy through sanctioned ritual rather than adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha explains to the priests why he wishes to undertake the Aśvamedha—his grief at being without an heir.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and self-restraint: he does not hide his motive, yet commits to a dharmically regulated course.